KINGSTON, N.Y. >> The review of ambitious plans for the former Hutton Brickyard property at 200 North St. is expected to be headed by the city’s Planning Board, which is also likely to lead the environmental review of the project, City Planner Suzanne Cahill said.

However, Cahill said there is no chance that the plans will receive any approvals at the board’s March 19 meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 420 Broadway.

In January, city planners declared their intention to lead the environmental review of plans to further develop the old brickyard, which overlooks the Hudson River is just north of Kingston Point.

The Planning Board unanimously adopted a resolution declaring its intention to take on the environmental review for a proposed five-year special-use permit to develop the property. The property is being developed by owner MWest Holdings of California, under the name North Street Brick Works LLC.

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Plans for the property include continuing seasonal food and vending operations, but also making further site and infrastructure improvements. The developer’s plan, in part, is to create a 100-person event space, as well as a “hospitality building.”

An existing pavilion, where a restaurant once operated, would house a stage and seating for 3,000, and there also would be a new ticketing and concierge plaza. Additionally, there would be space for “glamping,” or luxury camping. A caretaker cottage would be created to oversee the site.

The developer also wants to add additional lighting and signs, and double the amount of on-site parking to more than 1,000 spaces. There also are plans to widen North Street to provide access for emergency vehicles.

The Hutton Brickyard hosted two concerts by Bob Dylan last June, as well as the Smorgasburg Upstate food and flea market in 2016 and 2017. Earlier this year, though, representatives of Smorgasburg said they would not return in 2018.

Kevin McManus, a representative for North Street Brick Works, said the developer would like to “activate” the site and begin holding private events there this summer. He said no events have been booked yet.

Cahill said that she was uncertain whether the Planning Board would issue any approvals before the summer starts.

About the Author

Paul Kirby is a reporter for the Freeman, covering Kingston politics. He has been at the Freeman since August 1996. Reach the author at pkirby@freemanonline.com
or follow Paul on Twitter: @PaulatFreeman.